Amit Paley

Amit Paley’s Biography

Amit Paley is the Executive Director of The Movement Against Malnutrition and an Entrepreneur in Residence at the International Rescue Committee (IRC). IRC is a global humanitarian organization that provides aid and development in over 40 war- and conflict-affected countries.

The Movement Against Malnutrition, founded by the IRC, aims to ensure that no child dies of hunger. IRC focuses on helping those facing humanitarian crises through various programs, including healthcare, economic well-being, and food supply. As Entrepreneur in Residence, Amit plays a vital role in this mission by providing innovative solutions to different causes and projects.

Amit's passion for helping others in any capacity has been the foundation of his successful career as an executive, social entrepreneur, advocate, and journalist. Before joining the IRC, he served as CEO of The Trevor Project, the largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ youth. Under his leadership, The Trevor Project expanded its reach, served more individuals, and developed innovative technology tools utilizing... Amit Paley is the Executive Director of The Movement Against Malnutrition and an Entrepreneur in Residence at the International Rescue Committee (IRC). IRC is a global humanitarian organization that provides aid and development in over 40 war- and conflict-affected countries.

The Movement Against Malnutrition, founded by the IRC, aims to ensure that no child dies of hunger. IRC focuses on helping those facing humanitarian crises through various programs, including healthcare, economic well-being, and food supply. As Entrepreneur in Residence, Amit plays a vital role in this mission by providing innovative solutions to different causes and projects.

Amit's passion for helping others in any capacity has been the foundation of his successful career as an executive, social entrepreneur, advocate, and journalist. Before joining the IRC, he served as CEO of The Trevor Project, the largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ youth. Under his leadership, The Trevor Project expanded its reach, served more individuals, and developed innovative technology tools utilizing AI and machine learning.

Previously, Amit worked as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, a global consulting firm, where he advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and non-profits. He began his professional career as a reporter for The Washington Post, covering various national and global topics. He also worked as a foreign correspondent based in Iraq, where his work was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Amit is a highly sought-after speaker and has been featured in The New York Times, USA Today, ABC, NBC, CBS, NPR, and CNN.

In addition to his professional achievements, Amit has served on the boards of several organizations, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Steering Committee, and served as Chair of the Graduate Council of The Harvard Crimson. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Amit Paley’s Newsfeed

Reliefweb

IRC Announces New Venture to Ensure No Child Dies of Hunger

The International Rescue Committee has announced the launch of the Movement Against Malnutrition to take action to counter the global hunger crisis. Amit Paley, Executive Director of the Movement Against Malnutrition, has said that solutions are readily available for the treatment of acute malnutrition.

Amit Paley’s Background

The Movement Against Malnutrition

Executive Director

Jun 2024 - Present

Founded by the International Rescue Committee, The Movement Against Malnutrition is a charity with the goal to prevent children dying of hunger.

International Rescue Committee

Entrepreneur in Residence

2023 - Present

New York, NY, USA

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) aids individuals impacted by humanitarian crises by supporting their survival, recovery, and rebuilding of their lives.

The Trevor Project

CEO & Executive Director

2017 - 2023

West Hollywood, CA, USA

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ youth. It provides individuals with free and confidential suicide prevention and crisis intervention programs.

McKinsey & Company

Associate Partner

2011 - 2017

New York, NY, USA

McKinsey is a global management consulting firm working with clients across various sectors, including corporations, small firms, government and non-profits, to help them achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.

The Washington Post

Associate | Corporate Planning and Development

2010 - 2011

Washington, DC, USA

The Washington Post is an award-winning news publications whose mission is to connect, and inform local, national and global readers with credible reporting, deep analysis and engaging opinions.

The Washington Post

Staff Writer and Foreign Correspondent

2004 - 2011

Washington, DC, USA

Amit worked as a foreign correspondent in Iraq, financial investigative journalist and national education reporter, among other beats.

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Board Positions

Center for Public Integrity

Board of Directors

Washington, DC, USA

The Center for Public Integrity is a nonpartisan, nonprofit investigative news organization dedicated to exposing corruption, inequality, and misconduct in public and private institutions through rigorous, independent journalism.

The Harvard Crimson

Crimson Campaign Committee

2023 - Present

Cambridge, MA, USA

The Crimson Campaign Committee organized and supported the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Harvard Crimson. The celebrations took place on April 28 and 29, 2023, culminating in a Saturday evening gala dinner at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.

Previous Board Positions

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Steering Committee

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.

National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention

Executive Committee

Waltham, MA, USA

The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) is working with more than 250 national partners from the public and private sectors to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Strategy).

Media

People on the Move in New York | Amit Paley

Aug 2024

New York, NY, USA

View Amit Paley's Profile on the New York Business Journal's People on the Move in New York page.

Interviews

Leadership Matters: Amit Paley

Jul 2022

In this conversation, Amit discusses his early life, the inspiration he has found in his family, and the work he has done worldwide to protect LGBTQ+ youth everywhere.

Trevor Project CEO on the risks still facing LGBTQ community

Jun 2019

New York, NY, USA

Trevor Project CEO and executive director Amit Paley joins "CBS This Morning" to discuss some of the issues still facing LGBTQ youth today despite all the progress that's been made.

Publications

This Pride Month, We Must Remember the LGBTQ Youth Who Can’t Celebrate

Author

Jun 2022

New York, NY, USA

In this op-ed, Amit Paley calls on the LGBTQ community to support its youth during Pride Month as legislation across the country attempts to rollback their rights.

Florida’s ‘don’t say gay’ bill is cruel and dangerous

Co-author

Feb 2022

Amit Paley and Joe Saunders discuss the ramifications of Florida's passage of the 'Don’t Say Gay’ bill, which, they argue, will further marginalize and harm the LGBTQ community.

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Memberships

World Economic Forum

Young Global Leader

2021 - Present

Davos, CH

The Forum of Young Global Leaders accelerates the impact of a diverse community of responsible leaders across borders and sectors to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Awards & Recognition

Nonprofit Professional of the Year

Honoree

2021

Philadelphia, PA, USA

Amit was honored for his work as CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project and, among his tireless work, his mission to end LGBTQ youth suicide.

NBC Out #Pride50

Honoree

2019

New York, NY, USA

The NBC Out #Pride50 recognizes contemporary change-makers and innovators, as well as veterans of the LGBTQ movement. Amit was recognized for building on The Trevor Project's existing tools to further increase its ability to help LGBTQ youth in crisis.

The Logo 30

Honoree

2019

Amit Paley was recognized for leading The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for young queer people, while also putting forth a strategy to increase the non-profit's reach.

LGBTQ+ Power Players

Honoree

2019

New York, NY, USA

Amit Paley was honored for his work as CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project, where he began as a volunteer and counselor on TrevorLifeline.

Fortune 40 Under 40

Honoree

2021

New York, NY, USA

Amit was honored for his work leading The Trevor Project, where he expanded the number of staff working to help vulnerable groups and quadrupled the number of youth in crisis the organization serves each month. He was also recognized for his service with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Crain's New York 40 Under 40

Honoree

2021

New York, NY, USA

Amit was honored for his work with The Trevor Project, notably a renewed focus on advocacy and the creation of a research department that conducted an annual survey on mental health and published a peer-reviewed journal.

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Academic Appointments

Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism | CUNY

Adjunct Professor

2011 - 2013

New York, NY, USA

The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism is the only publicly funded graduate journalism school in the Northeast. Its mission is to serve the public interest in its three media centers that provide research, training, thought leadership, financial support and more for quality journalistic work.

Speaking Engagements

World Economic Forum: Driving LGBTQI+ Resilience through Equity

Panel member

May 2022

Davos, CH

At a time when marginalized communities are still at risk and anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric is rising in some parts of the world, this panel discusses how business and government can work together to mainstream inclusivity so that LGBTQI+ communities are more resilient.

Americans in Need: Responding to the National Mental Health Crisis

Featured Speaker

Feb 2022

In this Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing, Amit Paley joined other leaders to discuss the growing mental health crisis in the U.S., notably coming after the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdowns.

Fellowships

Columbia Business School

George A. Wiegers Fellow

2010 - 2011

New York, NY, USA

Columbia Business School is a prestigious institution renowned for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and strong emphasis on leadership and innovation in the global business landscape.

Columbia Journalism School

Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Economics and Business Journalism

2009 - 2010

New York, NY, USA

The Knight-Bagehot Fellowship is a prestigious mid-career program at Columbia Journalism School, offering seasoned journalists an intensive academic year to deepen their understanding of economics, business, finance, and technology.